Lesson 7: Bowlby's monotropic theory Flashcards
(why attachments form)
What is the fundamental principle of Bowlby’s theory of attachment?
attachment between infant + caregiver is an INSTINCT that has evolved because it:
1) increases the chance if babies’ survival
2)parents passing on their genes
What happens to infants who are ATTACHED to their caregiver
-infants who are ATTACHED to their caregiver will stay close to them + will be protected-> ENSURING SURVIVAL
What happens to caregivers who are attached to their infants?
caregivers who are ATTACHED to their infant will care + protect them this will ENSURE that their genes are successfully passed on
What do infants have an innate drive for?
to become attached to an adult
What is the period in which innate behaviours must occur called?
critical period
Why do innate behaviours have a critical period in which attachment has to occur?
if it doesnt occur it NEVER will
What is the critical period for attachment
before a child is TWO years of age
What happens to an infant if they do not form an attachment during the critical period?
they will have difficulty forming attachments later on
What did Bowlby propose that attachment is determined by?
determined by caregiver’s sensitivity
What are some of the characteristics that a caregiver must have in order for an infant to be strongly attached to them?
-responsive
-co-operative
-more accessible
According to Bowlby’s monotropic theory, why are social releasers important
they ensure attachments develop between CAREGIVERS and their INFANTS
Name types of social releasers
-smiling
-crying
What are social releasers?
they are behaviours that ELICIT caregiving
Why do babies display social releasers?
to encourage their caregiver to look after them
